The Autumn Budget has delivered several major announcements that will directly influence landlords, homeowners and property investors across the South East.
Autumn Budget Introduces New Council Tax Surcharge for £2m+ Homes
One of the most significant outcomes of the Autumn Budget is the introduction of an annual surcharge for higher-value residential properties in England. This measure will take effect in 2028, following a nationwide council tax revaluation.
Confirmed charges from the Autumn Budget include:
- £2,500 per year for properties valued over £2 million
- £7,500 per year for properties valued over £5 million
The South East and London contain the majority of properties close to or above the £2m threshold, meaning landlords and homeowners in these regions should pay particular attention to upcoming valuations.
Tax on Rental Income Rising by 2%
Another important change announced in the Autumn Budget is a 2% increase in tax rates on:
- Rental income
- Savings income
- Dividend income
This change will take effect from April 2026 and will impact:
- Landlords working as sole traders
- Landlords operating through limited companies
- Property owners relying on dividends for income
The Autumn Budget reinforces the need for landlords to review their tax planning and profit extraction strategies.
Cash ISA Allowance Reduced for Under-65s
The Autumn Budget cut the Cash ISA allowance from £20,000 to £12,000 for anyone under 65, effective April 2027. This affects anyone saving for:
- A property deposit
- A second investment property
- A refurbishment or maintenance fund
Although the total ISA allowance remains £20,000, only £12,000 can now be kept in a tax-free cash product. This may slow deposit building among first-time buyers and aspiring landlords, particularly in high-value areas.
NI and Income Tax Threshold Freeze Extended
The Autumn Budget also extended the freeze on National Insurance and income tax thresholds. This means more people will drift into higher tax bands over time, increasing:
- Personal tax bills
- Tax on rental profits
- Overall, financial pressure on landlords
This long-term freeze is expected to influence affordability for those remortgaging in the coming years.
How Christopher Anthony Can Help
At Christopher Anthony Property Management Experts, we specialise in helping landlords navigate regulatory change, tax adjustments and shifting market conditions.
Whether you own a single rental property or a growing portfolio, we can support you with:
- Market and tax insight
- Rental strategy planning
- Full property management
- Compliance and documentation
- Portfolio reviews
If you would like personalised guidance on how the Autumn Budget affects your current or future property plans, our team is here to help.
